$25,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs as series expands to four races

Snowshoe, W.Va. –For four weekends this summer the trails of Snowshoe Mountain will be invaded by some of the region’s best mountain bikers, as they compete for $25,000 in cash and prizes as part of the 2009 Powerade Race Series. This season, the Powerade series has been expanded from three races to four, and the dual slalom competition has been replaced by a dual stunt contest.

The series, which will run on a different machine-built course each weekend, kicks off June 19-21, with legs two and three running on July 24-26 and August 28-30, respectively. The fourth and final race will take place October 2-4, with competition moving from Snowshoe’s Western Territory to the steeper, more technical Basin area. Race weekends will consist of Saturday afternoon Downhill practice, followed by Dual Stunt qualifying and the stunt competition. This new portion of the series will bring action into the resort’s Village area. Spectators will enjoy riders in head-to-head competition, testing their skills on a flat course consisting of a variety of challenging features. Races across the country have adopted this new twist on the dual slalom competition, giving a variety of riders a chance at the podium. An awards ceremony will immediately follow the stunt completion.

On Sunday, the downhill races will take place, featuring men’s and women’s intro, amateur and pro classes. Riders will have a chance to test the course in the morning, with races beginning at 11:30am. An awards ceremony will immediately follow the pro men’s heat. Spectators are welcome to line the race course, although those wishing to ride the lift will be required to purchase a lift ticket. Both the Western Territory and Basin area will have lift service throughout the first three race weekends, with Basin lift service available for the fourth and final race event. The first three race weekends will feature prime finish line viewing from Arbuckle’s Cabin at that base of the Western Territory lift. The fourth race finish will be viewable from the base of the Ballhooter lift.

While each weekend will conclude with its own awards ceremony, racers will concurrently accumulate points over the course of the series. Top finishers will receive additional prizes at the series’ conclusion. The Powerade purse is one of the largest mountain bike series payout on the east coast.

Snowshoe Mountain is a four-season, destination resort situated in the southern portion of the pristine Allegheny Mountains. This 11,000-acre playground offers 1,500 feet of vertical drop for its expansive skiing and mountain biking terrain. With a mountain top village nearly one mile high in the sky, Snowshoe offers unique variety of lodging, dining and shopping options. A host of special events and activities make the West Virginia resort a destination for the entire family. For more information visit http://www.snowshoemtn.com/todo/events/calendar/index.htm

source: Laura Parquette

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